Best Trails in Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Great Meadows provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether boating, driving or hiking. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats
The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. The entrance gates close automatically

Flat; wonderful dirt trail through the woods; in the middle is a loop around a pond that’s beautiful, so on the out-and-back, you get to go around it twice. A few other runners out there; also some walkers, a few moms with strollers, a few dog walkers (though not on pond section of trail), bird watchers. Indoor bathroom at midpoint was great.

Walked Dike Trail to Edge Trail which loops you back to the parking lot. The trails were in very good shape, the scenery was great, especially as the sun was going down. Would give it 5 stars if there were a couple more places with trail signs. Will definitely return.

Great mix of accessible trail with options to shoot off into the woods. Bunch of great wildlife including cranes, snakes, turtles and tons of birds. Beautiful soundtrack the entire loop. Great for toddlers and their old parents.

Very easy hike, maybe more of a nature walk than a hike. Very clearly marked trails that would be perfect for kids and beginners. A nice observation tower at the beginning of the trail helps to get the lay of land. A great place to spend a couple of hours in nature!

A very easy and lovely hike! A National Wildlife Refuge that I visit at least 3 times a year, usually to do up some birding. The Dike Trail (1.7 miles) is wheel-chair accessible. This particular trail offer fantastic looks of both the Upper and Lower Pools. About 3/4 down the main section of the Dike Trail that bisects the 2 pools is a fairly new observation platform on your right that was installed this year (2011). There are 2 canoe access points (that I know of) to the Concord River that borders the northwestern boundary of the refuge. There are also the a few other trails here that combine the total of about 2.7 miles. The Timber Trail (.4 miles) can be found near the junction with the Edge Trail and northeastern end of the Dike Trail. The Edge Trail (.35 miles) runs along eastern edge of the Lower Pool and brings you back up to the parking lot. Also at the parking lot you will find an observation tower that gives commanding views of the majority of the refuge. The Black Duck Creek Trail (.15 miles) can be found while heading up to the restrooms. PLEASE NOTE: Dogs and bicyclists are not allowed at Great Meadows NWR-Concord Unit.